The Oyo State House of Assembly has ruled out any possibility of negotiating with bandits responsible for the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that government efforts should remain focused on rescue operations and strengthening security across vulnerable communities.
The decision was reached during Wednesday’s plenary session after lawmakers debated a motion of urgent public importance presented by Johnson Ogundele, who represents Oriire State Constituency. The motion addressed the worsening security situation in parts of the local government area following the deadly attack on Ahoro-Esiele and surrounding communities on May 15.
During the attack, armed bandits reportedly stormed schools and nearby areas during school hours, killing a teacher, a student, and a commercial motorcyclist before abducting dozens of students, pupils, and teachers. The incident sparked outrage across the state and renewed concerns about the safety of schools in rural communities.
Speaking on the floor of the House, Ogundele lamented the growing wave of attacks in Oriire, noting that criminal activities had intensified since the beginning of the year. He referenced an earlier assault on the National Park Service office in Oloka village, where five forest guards were killed by armed attackers.
The lawmaker commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his swift response to the crisis, including the deployment of security personnel, rescue efforts, and visits to affected communities. He, however, urged the government to increase support for security agencies and establish a permanent military presence around forest corridors and high-risk settlements in the area.
As part of its resolutions, the Assembly called on the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to immediately conduct security audits of schools located near forests and border communities. Lawmakers also recommended the installation of solar-powered security lights, perimeter fencing, and CCTV surveillance systems in vulnerable schools.
The House further advocated the development of a comprehensive Safe School Emergency Response Protocol for both public and private educational institutions across Oyo State to improve preparedness and response during security emergencies.
Seconding the motion, Majority Leader Sanjo Adedoyin renewed calls for the establishment of state police, arguing that recent rescue operations highlighted the limitations of conventional security agencies operating in difficult terrains. According to him, security forces often relied heavily on local vigilantes and operatives of the Amotekun Corps to navigate dense forests where bandits operate.
Several lawmakers supported the proposal, describing state policing as a necessary step toward addressing emerging security challenges. They urged the Federal Government to remove obstacles delaying its implementation.
Contributors to the debate also raised concerns about inadequate security coverage in forest reserves stretching across Oyo and neighbouring states. Lawmakers questioned reports of mining activities and helicopter movements within some forest areas despite persistent insecurity and insufficient security presence.
The Assembly additionally called for increased recruitment and better equipment for Amotekun operatives, with lawmakers arguing that local security personnel require modern tools to confront heavily armed criminal groups effectively.
Following deliberations, the House adopted multiple resolutions, including a request for the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Defence and other relevant agencies, to establish a permanent military base in Oriire Local Government Area. It also urged the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (OYSEMA) to provide trauma counselling, psychosocial support, and relief materials to affected families.
In his closing remarks, Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin firmly rejected calls for dialogue with kidnappers and terrorists, warning that such a move could encourage more attacks and embolden criminal networks.
While acknowledging the anguish of families whose loved ones remain in captivity, the Speaker stressed that intelligence gathering, coordinated rescue missions, and sustained security operations remain the most effective path toward securing the victims’ release and preventing future attacks.
